The company Latitude has completed its fifteen-day artistic residency in Tarnos, marking a key stage for its first creation, « Quand viendra la vague ». This show, which will be unveiled to the public on December 6th (note: the premiere date is mentioned as December 10th later in the text; December 6th appears to be an error in the source), is a contemporary work that places ecological issues at the heart of human stories.
At the crossroads of art, ecology, and civic engagement, the Latitude company champions theater that questions our relationship with the living world. Matisse Bonzon, co-founder, explains their definition of a 'living artistic organism': 'We are therefore a living organism in service of the living, but also of live performance.'
The backgrounds of Matisse Bonzon and his partner Camila Moraes are closely linked to environmental issues. Camila worked at the GoodPlanet Foundation, while Matisse studied international economic policy and worked with social movements. 'Theater is of course a place for entertainment and emotions, but it can also become a powerful catalyst for awareness and, why not, for action,' emphasizes Matisse.
Their Brazilian origins have also shaped their relationship with the environment. Camila, originally from São Paulo, experienced the consequences of ecological dysfunction, while Matisse grew up in the Mata Atlântica, developing a strong connection with nature and engaging early on to protect natural spaces.
The desire to create their own company stemmed from the wish to explore the intersection of art, ecology, and societal issues, and to gain autonomy in defending the causes they care about. The text « Quand viendra la vague », discovered in 2017, was immediately adopted for its relevance to climate change challenges.
The play, designed for two actors embodying five characters, tackles dense themes such as climate change, the relationship with the land, isolation, and relationships. The staging challenge was to make this material accessible without burdening the message, seeking transmission methods that prevent the audience from feeling overwhelmed. 'We would rather the audience have experienced a serious and complex story, at the heart of a love relationship, but emerge with something strengthened, more luminous. There is also, in this play, a form of hope,' confides Matisse.
Following residencies in Tarnos and Marseille, the premiere of « Quand viendra la vague » is scheduled for December 10th at 8:30 PM at the Luna Negra hall in Bayonne. The company is actively seeking partners, venues, and schools to bring the performance to life.
The company particularly aims to engage young audiences, viewing theater as an essential means of raising awareness about contemporary issues, far from screens. 'Bords de plateau' (post-performance discussions) and mediation activities in schools are systematically offered to extend reflection and encourage action.
